Religion Programs

The Department of Philosophy & Religion offers several programs: a major in religion, an interdisciplinary philosophy and religion major, and a minor in religion.

Religion Major:
The major in religion requires a minimum of 44 hours, including the following courses:
- RELG 105 or RELG 107
- RELG 109 or RELG 110
- RELG 241 or RELG 264
- RELG 225
- two additional courses in biblical studies
- at least one course in the history of Christian thought (RELG 310, RELG 311 or RELG 312)
- either RELG 481 or RELG 484

(No more than 12 hours of 100-level courses in religion may count toward the major.) With departmental approval, a maximum of three courses in philosophy may be applied to the religion major.

In addition to major requirements, the student must complete the general education courses (60 to 65 hours) required of all Arts and Sciences students graduating with the Bachelor of Arts degree. This leaves the student with 60 to 70 free elective hours which the student may use according to his or her particular interests and career goals. Student should select elective courses with the same care used in choosing a major. The department recommends that students consider a couple of options in selecting elective courses: (a) a second major, for example, history or literature along with the religion major; or (b) a minor in another subject. However one chooses to use the elective hours, it is important to remember that careful planning will enrich one's program of studies while at ONU and increase the options available upon graduation.

Interdisciplinary Philosophy and Religion Major:
For many years the department has offered a combined philosophy and religion major. This major consists of 44 hours chosen from philosophy and religion courses with the approval of the student's advisor. This major provides a greater choice of courses and thus more flexibility in one's schedule than the religion major. Student interest and career objectives are reasons for same students' choice of this option. Selection of courses is subject to approval by the department and must include RELG 480 or RELG 481 or else RELG 483 or RELG 484.

Religion Minor:
For students who have other majors or specific career objectives requiring a non-religion major but who also have an interest in the study of religion, the religion minor is a means of meeting that interest. The minor in religion requires a minimum of 28 hours in religion, including RELG 105 or RELG 107 and RELG 109 or RELG 110. No more than 12 hours of 100-level courses in religion may count toward the minor.

Preseminary Program:
A faculty member in the Department of Philosophy & Religion serves as advisor to the preseminary student in planning a preprofessional program. The recommendations of the American Association of Theological Schools are followed in counseling the student. A major in the Department of Philosophy & Religion or in another appropriate department may be selected.